Raptors continue to show draft interest in Memphis SF Josh Minott

The Toronto Raptors are not a team that shies away from raw prospects that need more seasoning before hitting their full potential. That dogma has helped Toronto turn Scottie Barnes into a Rookie of the Year performer. Toronto could roll the dice again and add Memphis standout Josh Minott.

On a team that had Jalen Duren and Emoni Bates, Minott was lost in the shuffle for most of his career up until that point. Playing time and shots were very hard to come by, though they did little to dissuade NBA teams from showing their interest in one of the most versatile prospects coming out this year.

Minott was created in a lab to excel in all the areas Masai Ujiri demands his prospects excel in. With the smooth passing instincts and defensive intensity that this front office covets, the idea of taking him at No. 33 overall despite poor college production is inching closer to becoming a reality.

Minott reportedly is scheduled to work out with the Raptors and Hawks, who pick in the middle of the second round. Minott could blow up in the face of whoever drafts him, but he is too attractive as a prospect to overlook altogether. Will the Raptors take the plunge and select him?

Will the Toronto Raptors draft Josh Minott?

Per 36 minutes, Minott averaged 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game. Given his wiry frame, the fact that he’s become such an impact player on defense at so many positions will get him praise from the decision-makers across the NBA. He just needed a more consistent workload.

An NBA Draft Combine star, Minott is a terrific athlete who could be an impact slasher at the next level during his first season. As a transition finisher, his ability to run the floor really stands out. With the motor and hustle Nick Nurse requires from his players, Minott feels like a player Toronto typically covets.

On top of the fact that Minott is painfully raw from an offensive point of view, teams will need to reckon with the fact that he is a tweener. Unless he adds weight, he likely won’t be a small ball power forward in this league. His lack of a 3-point shot is going to take him off of some team’s draft boards.

Whatever magic Nurse worked on Barnes in the 2021-22 season, he’ll need to double it if he wants Minott to contribute on offense within the next two years. If he gets a jumper, he could reach his full potential offensively.